X-Message-Number: 15973
From: "Michael LaTorra" <>
Subject: Re: final words (Message #15964)
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 20:08:21 -0700

I believe that I speak for more than only myself when I say "Thank you,
Sabine, for taking the time and enduring the trouble involved in organizing
several people's responses to the thread ' Singularity... Bah Humbug!." The
messages from you, Brian Atkins and Eliezer Yudkowsky have expanded the
conversation on CryoNet in useful directions.

Cryonics is the immediate topic of concern on this list. But I don't think
anyone here is interested in it because they want to become frozen corpses
after death and stay that way forever. Cryonics is simply one method of
possible life extension and practical immortality, and it is the only method
currently within our grasp. We are not married to the notion of becoming
corpsicles. We are only using the best method we can at this point in time.

So I was somewhat surprised at how many CryoNet members reacted so
negatively to the possibility of uploading via the instrumentality of a
Friendly AI as a valid means for achieving immortality. If it works, I would
certainly be willing to use it. But in the meantime, I consider cryonics to
be quite literally my "insurance" for an indefinitely extended future life.

Please do not feel that your efforts were wasted, Sabine. I think you may
have opened a few minds to new possibilities, even if those minds chose to
remain silent during this latest "cryo-flamewar."

Regards,

Michael LaTorra


Member:
Extropy Institute: www.extropy.org
Alcor Life Extension Foundation: www.alcor.org
Society for Technical Communication: www.stc.org

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